Maria Ann Fischer

Maria was born on December 8, 1948, in Alton, Illinois. She was the oldest daughter of George and Rita (Sproules) Sweeney. Maria was a proud big sister to Rita Fischer, Annita Dunn, & Joy Butler.

Maria leaves behind a family who adored her: Her life-partner of nearly 30 years, Edward Euler; her three daughters, Colleen Fischer, Stephanie Casaubon, and Kristie Webb; her sons-in-law, Brad Webb and Josh Casaubon; and her family-in-love, Matt and Georgie Euler.

Maria loved being a mother to her girls, but her favorite titles were Grammy and Ria. She spoiled her six grandchildren rotten & they loved every minute of the adventures they had with her. From oldest to youngest, Ryan Euler, Abigail Webb, Jacob Webb, Eveleigh Casaubon, Willow Casaubon, & Maximus Euler. She also had several nieces and nephews she doted on.

Maria was preceded in death by her grandparents, George & Hazel Sweeney and Robert (Ted) & Annie Sproules; both her parents; and her sister, Nita.

Maria defied the odds as a child, walking again after being diagnosed with polio at just 6 years old. She attended Alton High School where she proudly played the clarinet in the Marching 100 Band and was a straight A student. Maria earned a full scholarship to St. Luke’s School of Nursing in St. Louis and graduated with honors in 1970.

As a registered nurse, Maria answered the call to service for nearly 50 years specializing in emergency medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, and eventually, hospice care.

Travel was her compass. She and Ed loved the lighthouses of Maine, cruise ships, the Swiss Alps, and even though her children were spread out across the country and the world, she regularly visited them. Her greatest adventure was traveling with her family to Australia and walking at Nudgee Beach where her parents met and fell in love during World War II.

Maria loved Broadway shows, being a Girl Scout troop leader, decaf peppermint mochas, the trolls of Lincoln Memorial Gardens, the bison of the Oklahoma prairie, drinking an Orangina at a French cafe, listening to Dolly Parton and anything Ed’s ukulele group played.

Maria was the light of our lives, much like the lighthouses she loved, helping us find our way and stay on course through life's challenges. She never tried to be perfect, but she was perfectly made for us. We love you always & forever to the moon & back.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Memorial Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, with Cary Curry officiating.

Those who wish to view the livestream of the service may do so by visiting https://www.facebook.com/ButlerFuneralHomes

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research & Treatment.

Donations may be addressed to: SIU Foundation, 409 W. Calhoun Ave., P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, IL 62794 or online at www.siumed.org/alzheimers-center